As part of this research project, I am exploring how LGBTQ+ people make decisions about becoming parents. One way I'm doing this is through in-depth interviews where we discuss your experiences of family and parenting. We’ll discuss how you define family, who the important people in your life are, and the considerations and decisions you’ve taken around parenting. We'll also talk about how your sexuality or gender identity has shaped these considerations. You will not have to share anything that you don’t want to and can ask for certain elements to be deleted from the transcript later if you change your mind.
You will be asked to set aside around 2 hours in total and we can hold the session at a location which is convenient and accessible for you, including at your home if this is your preference. We can also meet online. To take part, you must be over 18, identify as LGBTQ+ and live in England, Scotland or Wales. You must also have considered becoming a parent beyond a romantic couple within the past 15 years, whether you have become a parent or not. This could be as a single parent, platonic coparent, 3+ parent family - or many other family formations. If you're not sure, please do get in touch. ‘Parent’ is taken here to be self-defined, you do not have to be a ‘legal’ parent.
The discussion will be recorded and later transcribed for use in the research project. Full details of confidentiality, anonymity and data storage will be sent out to you beforehand.
To register your interest, please click here and choose the interview option.
What is the purpose of this research project?
This project seeks to understand how social policies impact on LGBTQ+ people’s decisions regarding parenthood. It explores the ways that LGBTQ+ people and the government define and understand both families and parenting, looking for similarities and differences, as well as what effects these have. It forms part of the researcher’s PhD project.
Will I be paid for taking part?
No but you will receive a summary of the research findings at the end of the project.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
Taking part in this project provides you with an opportunity to share a detailed account of your own experiences and also to reflect upon the decisions you’ve made (or are making) and how these are shaped by policies and societal ideas of what a family is. The insights from this research project will be shared with policymakers and activist groups which could have future benefits for LGBTQ+ parents and families.
What are the possible risks of taking part?
There are no anticipated risks of physical harm from taking part in this project. Discussing family dynamics and journeys to parenthood contains some risk of emotional distress, although this will be different for each person. Additionally, for marginalised people, exploring the ways that you may be differentially impacted by and excluded from social policy may in itself be distressing. You will be signposted to further support if required.
Do I have to take part? What if I change my mind?
No, your participation in this research project is entirely voluntary and it is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you decide to take part, the researcher (Hanna Andersen) will answer any further questions you have and ask you to sign a consent form. If you decide not to take part, you do not have to explain your reasons and it will not affect your legal rights.
You are free to withdraw your consent to participate in the research project at any time before or during, and up to 14 days afterwards, without giving a reason, even after signing the consent form. You can also request to stop the interview at any time, or ask for certain elements to not be included in the transcript and subsequent research.
Who has reviewed this research project?
This research project has been reviewed and given a favourable opinion by the School of Social Science Research Ethics Committee at Cardiff University.
How is this research funded?
This research forms part of Hanna Andersen's PhD Project which is funded by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council). The project reference is 2925615.